Some of the world’s most iconic individuals from fashion, Broadway, Hollywood and everywhere in between gathered at the 13th annual Golden Heart Awards on October 21, 2019 to benefit God’s Love We Deliver, an organization founded in 1985 by a hospice volunteer, Ganga Stone. The organization strives to provide nutritious meals to individuals in New York who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. Ganga realized that “something as basic as delivering a meal could bring dignity and recognition to a desperate situation.”
This year Iman, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and John Demsey were honored with prestigious awards for their continued efforts to serve not only the New York community, but well beyond. Anna Wintour continues to be the Honorary Chairwoman of the Golden Heart Awards, while Co-Chairs for the event include Michael Kors, Cynthia Erivo, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, John Idol, Hugh Jackman, Deborra-Lee Furness, Aerin Lauder, Jordan Roth, and Blaine Trump. Everyone who walked the Red Carpet praised the continued work of such a necessary organization in New York.
Golden Heart Awards attendees included Michael Kors, Anna Wintour, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Lupita Nyong’o, Tiffany Haddish, Iman, Audra McDonald, Marisa Tomei, Winnie Harlow, Karen Elson, Neil Patrick Harris, Jordan Roth, Derek Blasberg, Sara Sampaio, Imaan Hamman, Halima, Ugbad Abdi, Cleo Wade, Huma Abedin, Karen Elson, Tina Leung, Selby Drummond, and Jessica Kahawaty.
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David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris. (Photo: BFA for Michael Kors) |
Ariana Rockefeller, American equestrian, businesswoman and fifth generation member of the John D. Rockefeller family, was recently named the organization’s newest board member. When asked what this honor means to her, Rockefeller remarked: “I’m just so honored to have been asked to join the board. I’ve been involved with the Gala for about five years. I didn’t hesitate to join because it aligns with so many of my values like health and wellness and serving my community. They do such amazing work and are so well run. I believe food is medicine and this organization commits to that with integrity.”
After the cocktail hour, guests were treated to an Italian market experience hosted by Eataly, which included live mozzarella-making and a prosciutto-slicing station. Attendees were then seated for a formal dinner and the annual awards presentation featured a welcome from Tiffany Haddish, Michael Kors, Winnie Harlow and the evening’s honorees.
Tamara Tunie, a staple actress from the well-known, New York-based show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has been a long-time supporter of God’s Love We Deliver. When asked why this organization is important to Tunie given her loyalty to the New York Community, she stated: “I’ve been aware of God’s Love We Deliver since its inception. At that time I didn’t have a lot but I always did what I could. This is a necessary organization, sadly. People are suffering from various illnesses and can’t cook or feed themselves. The need seems to continue to grow.”
Tony Award winning producer Jordan Roth attended the Golden Heart Awards with husband Richie Jackson as they have for the past several years. The red carpet was filled with fashion, entertainment, and art icons, so when asked how fashion and philanthropy will work hand-in-hand, Roth responded: “I think for any field where people are interested in what you’re doing is an opportunity to shine a light on crucial work that charitable organizations are doing. I think more and more that is meaningful and welcome.”
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Pete Buttigieg, Audra McDonald, and Tiffany Haddish. (Photo: BFA for Michael Kors) |
“It’s an epic night. God’s Love We Deliver was one of the first ten organizations we connected with over twenty years ago. We recognize the work that has been done,” said John Demsey, Executive Group President of Estée Lauder Companies, who received the Golden Heart Award for Outstanding Volunteerism and Community Leadership.
Iman stunned in a Michael Kors leopard power suit and donned a necklace that read “David” for her late husband, David Bowie. As a long-time supporter of God’s Love We Deliver, Iman is a staple year-after-year at the Golden Heart Awards. “I’m involved with God’s Love We Deliver because it’s about helping your neighbor.” Iman was the recipient of the Michael Kors Award for Outstanding Community Service this year.
The Golden Heart Awards is just one evening where high profile individuals collectively bring awareness to God’s Love We Deliver, but the organization continues to tirelessly work day-in and day-out to help feed New Yorkers who are battling illnesses.
To support God’s Love We Deliver, visit www.glwd.org.
